The hosts of the African Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea, have appointed Esteban Becker as coach. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

The Africa Cup of Nations hosts Equatorial Guinea have appointed Esteban Becker as the national team coach.

The Argentinian’s appointment was announced by the government information office. It says a settlement has been reached with Andoni Goikoetxea, who was sacked last month.

Becker takes over a team who are fortunate to play in this year’s tournament after being disqualified for fielding ineligible players in qualifying. They were reinstated by the Confederation of African Football after being chosen as stand-in hosts in place of Morocco, who pulled out over fears over the spread of Ebola.

Becker coached Equatorial Guinea’s women’s team to the African title in 2012 and previously held the role of technical director for all national squads.